REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Jennifer Villasenor, Director of Community Development
PREPARED BY: Bill Krill, Real Estate and Project Manager
Subject:
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Acceptance of Quitclaim Deed from Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. for Former Navy Railroad Right-of-Way
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Statement of Issue:
This request is for the City Council to accept a no-cost quitclaim deed from Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc., for the former Navy railroad right of way (ROW) located from Rancho Road on the west to the City boundary east of Springdale Street. The 9.3-acre property is 75-feet wide, approximately one-mile long and runs behind the rear yards of single-family homes and was formerly used by the U.S. Navy as a rail spur serving the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. This corridor has long-term potential for public-serving uses, including trails, utilities, and community green space.
Financial Impact:
There is no cost to the City to accept the quitclaim deed. The Public Works Department already maintains the property, and associated costs are included in the Department's existing operating budget. Any future improvements or use of the site will be brought forward through a separate City process.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Accept the Quitclaim Deed from Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. for property located between Rancho Road and the City boundary east of Springdale Street, formerly used as Navy rail ROW (Attachment No. 1).
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Alternative Action(s):
1. Do not accept the quitclaim deed and maintain the current easement-only interest.
2. Direct staff to explore alternative options for acquiring the fee title at a future date.
Analysis:
Project Site
Background
The property has a long history tied to both military and agricultural uses. Originally, the land was owned by the Anaheim Sugar Company, which held large tracts of land in Orange County for sugar...
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